This week, Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, known as the annual Perseid meteor shower. grain-like specks of debris are hitting the top of Earth's atmosphere at a high rate and burning up in the night sky, producing a spray of shooting stars from the constellation Perseus. The best time to watch is early morning August 12-13 where star gazers can expect to see up to 40-60 meteors an hour.

Lucky for us in Shasta County, we have plenty of amazing spots to view this wonder right in our own backyard.

For optimal viewing:

Find a safe place far from the city lights with dark skies.

Look toward the constellation Perseus which is in the North/Northeastern region of the sky.

The bright moon will interfere in seeing the meteors, but NASA says to expect to see one every couple of minutes.

5 best places to watch the meteor shower in Shasta County:

Whiskeytown Lake - This area of Shasta County is more than a beautiful lake. The 39,000 acres surrounding the lake hold four waterfalls, mountain creeks, 70 miles of trails, and crystal clear water. Not to mention, zero light pollution.

Mount Lassen - With multiple lakes, campgrounds and a national forest to explore, why not witness the spectacular views of the best meteor shower of the year at the highest elevation in Shasta County.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park - One of the largest freshwater springs in the world and one of the newer California State Parks. This park is a wilderness area with aqua bays, tree studded islets and lava rock. With plenty of shoreline, the view of the night sky cannot be beat.

Millville Plains - This wide open space gives off a spectacular sunset view - let alone an amazing star gazing experience.

McArthur Burney Falls State Park - This is the second oldest state park in the California State Parks system, with one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Here you have 910 acres of forest, five miles of stream side and lake shoreline including a portion of Lake Britton. Plenty of different terrain to take in all the night sky has to offer.

Get outside this weekend and enjoy nature!